Aircraft Accident investigation
dont leave your investigation to chance
Getting an investigation right is critical.
In Australia, the ATSB is responsible for conducting aircraft accident investigations — but that doesn’t absolve you of conducting your own, especially if you operate a Safety Management System. In fact, CASA may request your internal investigation report and expect it within a short time frame, while the ATSB’s investigation can take years to finalise depending on complexity. That gap makes your own report essential, not optional.
Dependent on the accident, the ATSB may not even conduct an investigation, or conduct a desktop investigation only, and then rely on your investigation.
We often find organisations aren’t equipped to carry out an effective internal investigation — and that a level of independence can make all the difference to the outcome.
Our Approach
Our investigations follow the ICAO Manual of Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation as guidance, using a just culture process throughout. Depending on the complexity of the event, we typically finalise our investigation report within 2–6 weeks — fast enough to meet CASA’s expectations, without compromising thoroughness.
We also investigate on behalf of insurance companies and other legal bodies requiring an independent explanation of what contributed to an accident.
Led by Real Experience
Our investigations are led by Dennis Hill, Founder of Aviation Auditors. Dennis is extensively trained in aircraft accident investigation and holds a Graduate Diploma of Accident Investigation, having carried out more than 60 major independent aviation accident investigations across Australia, including:
- Wheels-up landings
- Wire strikes during landing
- Landings on closed runways
- In-flight engine shutdowns
- CAR 30 maintenance errors (multiple investigations)
- Part 145 maintenance errors (multiple investigations)
- Collision with ground (multiple fatality)
- Disorientation after night takeoff
- Aircraft loading errors (B777)
- Collision with water during ferry operations (fatality)
- Controlled flight into terrain (fatality)
- And many more
Beyond aircraft accidents, we also carry out:
- aircraft maintenance error investigations,
- aerodrome accidents and incidents,
- Dangerous goods incidents
- Review of incidents within an SMS
and virtually any accident or incident within the aviation industry.
Dennis has also reviewed thousands of incidents for clients worldwide, providing expert input into causal factors.
Time Is Critical
If you or your organisation has experienced an accident, our thoughts go out to you first and foremost. But once the immediate situation is under control, time becomes critical — evidence can perish or become unreliable the longer an investigation is delayed, and witness recollections fade faster than you’d expect.
You also need to consider engaging us via your legal team to ensure legal privilege is established.
The sooner we’re engaged, the more we can preserve, and the stronger your findings will be. Don’t wait.
Dont Wait – Contact Us
If you have had an accident, and dont know what to do next, pick up the phone and call us, 1300 818 700.
We are happy to have a no obligation phone call with you to discuss some actions you can take following an accident or incident.
You can also use the form shown here, and we will get back to you.
Contact us to discuss your investigation needs
Can’t see what you need listed? Get in touch and we’ll let you know if we can help.